In a statement made Wednesday via its spokesperson Maja Kocijancic, the European Union warned of the excessive use of force against protestors and appealed for seeking out a solution to the crisis by restoring political dialogue and conducting independent investigations by institutions.

“The EU is deeply concerned regarding the situation in the country as has already been stated in the last conclusions of the General Affairs Council. We regret the injuries suffered by the demonstrators and members of the security forces in yesterday’s demonstrations. As a general principle, the European Commission highlights the crucial importance of the freedom of peaceful protest and assembly and the freedom of expression as defined in the European Convention on Human Rights. They have to be the basic values of a functional democracy. We also remind of the need of avoiding a disproportionate use of force by the law enforcement authorities.

“We would like to remind that the political stakeholders are expected to take immediate action for sustainable resolution of the ongoing political crisis, including through a constructive engagement for restoring political dialogue and trust in institutions. We are not going to comment on the separate audio recordings yet remind that all allegations concerning any possible offence need to be subject of an urgent, independent and transparent investigation by the relevant authorities,” said Kocijancic, spokesperson for the EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini.